I bought my Tarago (spacecruiser) about 2 years ago, and have sufferd ony a few minor problems in that time, battery and alternator and voltage regulator replaced , carby, cleaned and aircon re-gassed, all the "normal" stuff you would expect to find on a used car of which you did not have a history. The car does not get used every day , as I have a couple of old (1970 and 1980) Toyota corollas which are used as shopping trolleys the Tarago gets used for "pleasure"..

So time to have a real close look , in Victoria (australia) we dont have a yearly MOT, cars are subject to inspection only when they change ownership so I had been somewhat "slack" , but perhaps keeping in mind the usage pattern not too slack (grin)

I've been using the same people for my mechanical work for over 20 years, and have a fantastic relationship with them a family company , dad & mom and the 2 sons, Dad used to have a yard selling cars and I bought my corrollas from him but the tarago I found for AUD$4700 about 2000 uk pounds on the internet.

So on wednesday I toddled off to their workshop and "assisted" with the service , the car was found to be in fantastic condition for its year with brakes and exaust system looking like they had been new when I bought the car, the only work required was a gasket on the sump of the auto had a small leak so we serviced the auto while we had the sump off replacing the fluid filter and so forth

Did the normal service replaced plugs , no points as car has electronic ignition , also did a front end alignment whilst I was there... all in all a very pleasing result, and no rust whatsoever .. hard I know for you folks in the UK to grasp that cars here last so much longer due to our better climate..

So if you find yorself's in OZ and need your "Townie" serviced my I be so bold as to suggest that

"Halls Gully Automotive" in Clyde st Ferntree Gully is the place to go, They even gave me a 2004 calender and a free gift which should appear below ..

Regards

John

- (#9878) John Fisher, 7 Aug 03 21:10